Liverpool transfer target Moises Caicedo says that he expects "many more opportunities" to move clubs in the future after his failed switch to Arsenal.
The Ecuadorian looked poised for a move to one of the biggest clubs in the country, with Premier League leaders Arsenal pursuing the midfielder in January. However, the Gunners had two bids rejected as Brighton held firm and Caicedo remained with the Seagulls.
There has been plenty of speculation linking Caicedo with a move away, with rumours circulating about a transfer to Man Utd in the summer before January's saga with Arsenal unfolded. And Liverpool have now emerged as an option amid their recent troubles in midfield.
Despite heightened interest in the 21-year-old, Caicedo signed a new contract with Brighton after the January window closed, penning a deal running until 2027. His form has not dipped in that time, helping to propel Roberto De Zerbi's side to the European places and an outside chance of Champions League qualification.
Yet even after extending his contract, Caicedo is still clearly considering the prospect of a transfer elsewhere after admitting his frustration at a switch to Arsenal falling through.
“I’m sure I'm going to have many more opportunities,” he told the Telegraph. “That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough. At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram. People treated me badly. I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things.”
“I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them,” he added. “I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
Caicedo was part of an Ecuador side who went close to qualification from the group stages at the World Cup in Qatar, showing the qualities which convinced Arsenal to bid £70million. However, it is his Premier League performances which have really caught the eye.
Brighton have made a habit of acquiring lesser-known talent before developing them into top class talents, with Caicedo's initial transfer from Independiente costing just £4.4million.
This is also evident with the deal to bring in his team-mate Alex Mac Allister, who arrived as an uncapped player in 2019 before going on to win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Mac Allister is another of Brighton's stars who continue to be linked with a move elsewhere.
It is testament to work done by the recruitment team as well as the coaching staff, with Caicedo also praising boss De Zerbi for his ability to improve players on an individual basis. He added: "He’s always examining every single detail, regardless of whether we're winning or losing.
“He’s always on the ball with every single detail because it's those finer details that make the difference in the end so that's one good thing about him. He doesn’t just settle for a win; he wants more in every game because that way we can also improve individually.”
